kWh — Kilowatt-Hour
Texas Electricity Glossary
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the unit used to measure electricity consumption and set electricity rates. One kWh is the energy used by a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour. Your monthly electricity bill is calculated by multiplying your total kWh consumed by the per-kWh rate in your plan. Texas electricity plans are priced in cents per kWh — typically 8–16¢ — and the EFL for every plan shows the price at exactly 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh.
Common Appliance kWh Consumption
| Appliance | Typical Power (kW) | Daily Use | Monthly kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central A/C (3-ton) | 3.5 kW | 8 hrs | 840 kWh |
| Electric water heater | 4.5 kW | 2 hrs | 270 kWh |
| Electric dryer | 5.0 kW | 45 min | ~75 kWh |
| Refrigerator | 0.15 kW | 24 hrs | ~108 kWh |
| EV charging (Level 2) | 7.2 kW | 1.5 hrs | ~324 kWh |
| LED lighting (10 bulbs) | 0.1 kW | 5 hrs | ~15 kWh |
Average Texas Home kWh by Bedroom Count
TexasPowerCost.com uses these monthly usage estimates when you select a bedroom count instead of entering exact kWh:
- Studio / 1-bedroom — ~700 kWh/month
- 2-bedroom — ~1,000 kWh/month
- 3-bedroom — ~1,200 kWh/month
- 4-bedroom — ~1,500 kWh/month
- 5+ bedroom — ~2,000 kWh/month
Summer months can push these figures 30–50% higher due to air conditioning. Check your previous 12 months of bills for the most accurate usage profile.
Why kWh Matters for Plan Comparison
Most Texas electricity plan comparison sites show a single per-kWh rate valid only at 1,000 kWh. If your home uses 800 kWh or 1,400 kWh, that rate may be significantly off. TexasPowerCost.com interpolates across the three EFL price points — 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh — to give you a more accurate monthly cost estimate at your real usage level.
Related Terms
- Effective Rate — the true cost per kWh at your actual usage
- EFL — shows plan prices at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh
- Demand Charge — based on peak kW draw, not total kWh
- Bill Credit — often tied to specific kWh thresholds
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kWh does a Texas home use per month?
The average Texas home uses approximately 1,100–1,400 kWh per month, though this varies significantly by season and home size. Summer months (June–August) often see 1,600–2,000+ kWh due to air conditioning. A 1-bedroom apartment might average 600–800 kWh; a large 4-bedroom home with a pool could exceed 2,500 kWh in peak summer months.
What is the difference between kW and kWh?
A kilowatt (kW) measures power — the rate of electricity consumption at any instant. A kilowatt-hour (kWh) measures energy — the total electricity consumed over time. A 2 kW air conditioner running for 3 hours consumes 6 kWh. Your electricity plan is priced per kWh; your bill is based on total kWh consumed in the month.
How much does 1 kWh cost in Texas?
Texas electricity rates typically range from 8¢ to 16¢ per kWh (energy-only) depending on the plan, provider, and your usage level. The advertised rate on most plans applies specifically at 1,000 kWh — your effective rate may be higher or lower depending on actual consumption and any bill credits in the plan.